Titans top Marist to repeat as GHSA Class 4A girls soccer champs

To the day, 365 days after the Titans’ Julie Melhuish lofted a goal into the left corner of the net from the right side for the win, Amelia Comeaux netted the game-winner this year into the right corner from the left flank from almost the same distance.

“We didn’t have many chances that were really challenging to their keeper except for that one shot,” said Blessed Trinity head coach Johnny Jackson. “It almost felt like the same thing as last year … Julie did the same thing, but from the right side, a very similar goal, a little shot that floated under the post. Our players work on a ton of finishing, so that when they do get the chance, we can take advantage of it. In the last few games, we got dozens of opportunities, but against a team like Marist, you’re only gonna get a couple.”

Jackson said that while Comeaux had the moment that everyone will talk about, there were multiple contributions from up and down the lineup.

“We also had our goalkeeper (Maya Mendez) make some great plays tonight, and she really bailed us out a few times when they were pressing us and attacking,” Jackson said. “So a few great plays from our goalkeeper, a few from our defenders, a couple of great plays on offense that led to one goal, and that’s all we needed.”

Senior defender Reagan Michals said it felt surreal to repeat as champions and win a title in her final high school game.

“This is absolutely amazing … a lot of emotions are going on right now. It’s insane, but I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to finish this out with,” Michals said. “It’s always so challenging going up against Marist … they are a great group, and obviously their fans come out and are loud, so it’s always a tough game, but oh my gosh … what a battle. I think we showed a lot of grit. I think we kind of let go of the pressure, because we’ve had experience in the final and we knew we were good enough to be here.”

Both defenses dominated the first half, with each team managing just five shots apiece. The first few minutes of the second half were a stalemate as well, until the 51st minute. That’s when Comeaux dribbled up the left side, beat her defender, and chipped a shot to the goal from 15 yards out that just cleared the crossbar and found the back of the net.

Blessed Trinity finished with eight shots (four on goal) while Marist had 14 shots (nine on goal).

Jackson said this year’s Titans team had an incredible bond that made for a unique dynamic.

“This is such a special group. I love coaching them … I’ve probably been coaching for 25 years, and this might be my favorite experience,” Jackson said. “And it’s not just because they’re winning … it’s because of who they are and their character and the team culture and how much they love each other. That’s so important … they go out there and give it their all for each other, and that showed tonight, because we were playing such a good team. It takes so much guts to win against a team that’s as talented as Marist. Our girls really stepped up tonight.”

The championship was the eighth in team history for the Blessed Trinity girls’ program.